After summitting Mount Baden Powell, I made a decision to pursue this peak rather than descend to Ross Mountain. After reviewing my topo profile, I think Vincent gap to Throop Peak and back is very close to the difficulty of Ross Mountain.

According to my GPS, my trip was 11.6 miles with a combined elevation gain of 4621 feet.

I came overprepared, which is better than being a statistic. Lugging 200 ounces water (13 pounds worth) really slowed me down. It took me Four hours and 40 minutes to reach Throop Peak from Vincent Gap. I made it back to my car in 8 hours and 56 minutes. Subtract about 20 minutes for photo taking/ changing clothes layers, and about 30 minutes for snacks and sightseeing.

The wind was really blowing on top, and I hated being on the windward side. Cold air blowing into your ear at 40 miles and hour is a real treat.

A friend emailed me a copy of his Nat Geo Track file, which put the hike at 13.6 miles. I think my 5 or 6 year old technology Magellan Meridian is not as accurate as his new Garmin 60 series. I'm going with his distance over mine. On a positive note, it adds two miles to my achievement!

Climbed this peak twice, once on route to Baden Powell along the PCT where I camped on the summit in winds that sounded like a freight train plowing over my bivy, and another time in early spring to ski down - has some nice ski runs down to the road.

Parked at Islip Saddle and hiked to Dawson Saddle. First, went up the 1/2 mile ridge to Mt. Lewis. Then crossed the highway and picked up the ridge trail to Throop Peak. Next was Mt. Hawkins. From there, we dropped down Hawkins' ridge 1300' to Copter Ridge and summited the peak located at 7,499' elevation. Then traversed (not recommended; way too steep) to a saddle just north of Middle Hawkins and summited that peak. Started back on the trail toward Islip Saddle and summited Mt. Islip along the way. The day was a little warm but the views were great on all the peaks.

Hiked here from Islip Saddle and from Dawson on the way to Baden Powell. Nothing to write home about, but a good peak with a little plaque to the CalTech founder. Did someone put down it's pronounced "Troop"?

Road closed before Islip Saddle. I think soon they'll close the entire Crest highway. Probably has something to do with the endangered toads that live up there. Anyway, hiked this peak along with Mount Hawkins. Caught by a squall line; lightning striking the ridge and driving rain. I hustled down the PCT and made it back by dark. Good hike.